Dec 30, 2022
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Roadhouse Winery
| Owner(s) | Eric Hall |
| Web site | www.roadhousewinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Proprietor Eric Hall is someone with a passion for Pinot Noir. So much so that he followed two decades of high tech success in San Francisco by fleeing the city, cashing in his dot com earnings and bought a spread in Cazadero in the semi-remote West Sonoma County. He quickly became immersed in the wines of the Russian River Valley region, later moving from Cazadero and buying a small resort property in Guerneville.
Eric gained valuable winemaking experience at the Papapietro Perry Winery and co-founded the Pinot on the River Festival in 2004. He teamed with friends and family and created Roadhouse Winery in 2010 in downtown Healdsburg.
Roadhouse Winery makes Yorkville Highlands, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs in a California style, from name vineyards like Weir, Nunes, Sangiacomo, Leras and Silver Pines. Production is just over 2,000 cases annually. The wines are sold online with discounts to wine club members.
The winery's tasting room is located in downtown Healdsburg at 240 Center Street just a few doors down from Oakville Grocery.
Articles About Roadhouse Winery
Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other (9.8 6/24/2012)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.24 6/9/2018)
Roadhouse Winery: Pleasing Pinot Noir in Healdsburg (9.37 2/4/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.4 2/8/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Roadhouse Winery Blue Label Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.73% alc., pH 3.90, TA 0.67, $59. Swan,
777 clones. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12
months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of blackest cherry and black raspberry. The mid weight core
of sweet blackest cherry is accented with notes of red licorice and spicy oak. Balance is respectable with a
pleasing finish of some length.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Yellow Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.66, 325
cases, $59, Clones 115, Wädenswil 2A, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Clones 115, Wädenswil 2A,
777 and Pommard sourced from multiple vineyards along River Road. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak,
BGR Merit yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% blend of 1
and 2-year-old.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Challenging to find any describable aromas other
than oak on the nose. Elegant composed in a mid weight style with very sweet, extremely ripe dark fruit flavors
complimented by a whisper of oak. So sweet the wine seems to have residual sugar. The wine finishes with a
sweet and sour tone.
Score: 86.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Black Label Nunes Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc. (label),
15.4% alc. (tech sheet), pH 3.84, TA 0.67, 300 cases, $69. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Harvest
Brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French
oak barrels 20% new, 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gold medal San
Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose offering aromas of black
fruit compote, spice box and a whiff of vinegar. Mid weight plus flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and
cassis that really push the ripeness envelope such that a prune flavor also shows up. Acidity seems to be in
respectable balance and there is some length of finish.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Green Label Sangiacomo Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.73% alc.,
pH 3.90, TA 0.67, 400 cases, $69. Pommard, Swan and 777 clones. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-
day cold soak, BGY, Merit and Assmenhausen primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels,
20% new and 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass.
Very shy nose without discernible fruit character. Mid weight flavors of blackest cherry, blueberry and
blackberry framed by modest tannins. The wine finishes with a sweet and sour.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Pink Label Leras Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.90,
TA 0.60, 325 cases, $69. Martini clone planted in 1973. Harvest Brix 25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold
soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose lacks charm, offering only vegetal and cooked cherry
aromas. Plush and velvety on the palate with very ripe, even stewed-tasting dark fruits with oak plying the
background. The alcohol is tucked in on the modest finish.
Score: 86.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Purple Label Silver Pines Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., H
3.83, TA 0.60, 300 cases, $69. Pommard, “828,” and 23 clones. Harvest Brix 25.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day
cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% blend
of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of prune and raisin
lead off. Extremely ripe and compote-like fruit in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of raisin, cassis,
blackberry and dark chocolate. Fruit driven and monotone with a sweet-fruited finish and a hint of alcoholic
warmth.
Score: 86.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Platinum Label Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc (label), 14.2% alc. (tech sheet), pH 3.95, TA 0.50, 200 cases, $75. Romanee-Conti selection
and Wädenswil 2A clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast for primary
fermentation. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Very reserved nose with only a hint of briar and oak aromas even over extended time
in the glass. A fruit-driven wine featuring black cherry and raspberry fruits with toast and licorice in the
background. The tannins are well integrated, but the wine’s low acidity leads to a lack of freshness. The finish
is notable sweet.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Yellow Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.69, 325
cases, $46. Released fall 2013. Sourced from multiple River Road vineyards west of Highway 101 within two
miles of the Russian River. Sandy-clay loam soils. Harvest Brix 25.5º. Clones 115, 2A. 100% de-stemmed,
5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old, and 20% 3-
year-old French tight grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color with slight haze in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of cherry, backing spice
and red roses. Vibrant and juicy on the palate with a delicious core of Bing cherry fruit accented by cola, spice
and pomegranate flavors. Very refreshing with well-integrated suede tannins and a pleasing and lingering
finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Dark Purple Label Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.625, 275 cases, $49. Release
first quarter 2014. Sourced from Silver Pine Vineyard located at the
western edge of the Sonoma Mountain at 980 feet above sea
level.Harvest Brix 26.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak,
inoculated fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2-
year-old, and 20% 3-year-old tight grain or very tight grain French oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Medium reddish-purple color and slight haze in
the glass. This wine’s nose is the clear standout with effusive aromas of black
cherry, blackberry, spice and earthy flora. The ripest and darkest-fruited wine of
the four tasted today. This wine really stands out from the pack with mouth-filling flavors of black cherry pie,
black raspberry jam and spice. Medium to full-bodied, and creamy in the texture, with a spectacular finish that
explodes with fireworks in the mouth. The wine picks up allure over time in the glass. I have had some
exceptional wines from this vineyard and this beauty follows suite.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Dark Yellow Label Middle Reach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,
pH 3.61, TA 0.67, 325 cases, $49. Release second quarter 2014. Wohler Road and Bacigalupi vineyards.
harvest Brix 25.5º. Clones 2A, Pommard, Wente, “828,” and 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak,
inoculated yeast fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old, and 20% 3-year-old tight
grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple with slight
haze in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherries and berries, underbrush, dried herbs and incense. The most
savory wine of the four tasted here, also armed with a tasty essence of ripe cherry and red raspberry. The dry
tannins are well-mannered, and the intense finish holds on.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Green Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH
3.60, TA 0.57, 175 cases, $49. Sourced from Tina Marie Vineyard
featuring clones 115, 667 and 777 planted in 2005. 100% de-stemmed,
5-day cold soak, inoculated primary and secondary fermentations, aged
20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Light red cherry color in the glass. Lovely, sexy
aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, rose petal and sandalwood. Very
charming, with vibrant iced cherry fruit flavor and mild fine-grain tannins.
Bright and satisfying on the attack, with an impressive breadth of hi-tone
cherry fruit on the finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 8, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Martini Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.54, 250
cases, $49. Sourced from Vine Hill Road Vineyard planted to Martini clone in 1989. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day
cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Light red cherry color in the glass. The nose reluctantly opens slowly over time to
reveal demure aromas of ripe cherry pie glaze, rose petal and oak. The cherry fruit core seems a bit roasted
and is dominated by oak-driven flavors of coffee nibs, dark chocolate, cola and spice. The fine-grain tannins
offer textural interest and the finish is long and plush with black cherry goodness.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 8, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Orange-Red Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.70, TA
0.598, 375 cases, $49. Released fall 2013. From vineyards along Eastside Road in Windsor. Clones are
Pommard, 115, 667, 777 and “828.” Harvest Brix 24º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated yeast
fermentations, aged 12 months in 40% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old medium toast, tight grain or very tight grain
French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color with slight haze in the glass.
Aromatically alive with scents of wild berries, blueberries, pomegranate and balsam. Mid to full-bodied core of
dark red and blue fruits with a hint of black raspberry. More body than the Yellow Label with a touch more
structural tannins and a more intensely fruity finish. Highly enjoyable.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Russian River Valley Pink Label Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.65, 150
cases, $59. Sourced primarily from Nunes Vineyard. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 100% destemmed,
5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of
which were new. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries,
brewed tea, forest floor and oak spice. Solid mid palate attack of very ripe Bing cherry and black raspberry fruit
with a hint of cola and anise, and some oak in the background. The wine’s finish is lip-smacking.
Score: 88.
Reviewed February 8, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Sonoma Coast Green Label Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.62, 300 cases,
$59. Sourced from Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Pommard clone. 100% destemmed,
5-day cold soak, 14 days total cuvaison, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French
oak barrels, 20% new. Unifined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing
aromas of clove, cardamom, peppercorn, forest floor, mushroom and raisin. Very ripe fruited, featuring flavors
of black cherry, black raspberry, and sassafras. Silky smooth on the palate with balanced tannins and a dry,
mouthwatering finish. Nicely crafted in a ripe, dark fruited style.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 8, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.58, 150 cases, $75.
Sourced from Weir Vineyard. DRC selection and Wädenswil 2A clone planted in 1992. 100% de-stemmed, 5-
day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new.
Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate light red cherry color in the glass. Perfumed with effusive scents of cherry,
leafy herbs, sous-bois and woodpile. Very elegant, soft and smooth in the mouth with refined tannins, offering
light to mid weight flavors of red cherries and berries, with hints of spice and red plum, that hold your attention
on the finish. This wine shows more finesse than others in the 2012 Roadhouse lineup.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 8, 2015
ARTICLE »
2010 Roadhouse Winery Black Label Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. Sourced from the
Petaluma Wind Gap.
·
Expressive nose offering scents of ripe Bing cherries and cola. Rich and flamboyant,
with luscious flavors of black cherry pie filling, cherry cola, and sassafras, complimented by toasty oak in the
background. Striking flavor expression that will find many fans. Smooth in the mouth with supple tannins and
ready drink ability. Very good (+).
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Blue Label Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.73% alc., pH 3.90, TA 0.67, $59. Swan, 777 clones. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of blackest cherry and black raspberry. The mid weight core of sweet blackest cherry is accented with notes of red licorice and spicy oak. Balance is respectable with a pleasing finish of some length. Score: 87. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Yellow Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.66, 325 cases, $59, Clones 115, Wädenswil 2A, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Clones 115, Wädenswil 2A, 777 and Pommard sourced from multiple vineyards along River Road. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR Merit yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% blend of 1 and 2-year-old. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Challenging to find any describable aromas other than oak on the nose. Elegant composed in a mid weight style with very sweet, extremely ripe dark fruit flavors complimented by a whisper of oak. So sweet the wine seems to have residual sugar. The wine finishes with a sweet and sour tone. Score: 86. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Black Label Nunes Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc. (label), 15.4% alc. (tech sheet), pH 3.84, TA 0.67, 300 cases, $69. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels 20% new, 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gold medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose offering aromas of black fruit compote, spice box and a whiff of vinegar. Mid weight plus flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis that really push the ripeness envelope such that a prune flavor also shows up. Acidity seems to be in respectable balance and there is some length of finish. Score: 87. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Green Label Sangiacomo Roberts Road Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.73% alc., pH 3.90, TA 0.67, 400 cases, $69. Pommard, Swan and 777 clones. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 5- day cold soak, BGY, Merit and Assmenhausen primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new and 60% a blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose without discernible fruit character. Mid weight flavors of blackest cherry, blueberry and blackberry framed by modest tannins. The wine finishes with a sweet and sour. Score: 87. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Pink Label Leras Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.90, TA 0.60, 325 cases, $69. Martini clone planted in 1973. Harvest Brix 25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose lacks charm, offering only vegetal and cooked cherry aromas. Plush and velvety on the palate with very ripe, even stewed-tasting dark fruits with oak plying the background. The alcohol is tucked in on the modest finish. Score: 86. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Purple Label Silver Pines Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., H 3.83, TA 0.60, 300 cases, $69. Pommard, “828,” and 23 clones. Harvest Brix 25.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast primary fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% blend of 1 and 2-year-old. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of prune and raisin lead off. Extremely ripe and compote-like fruit in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of raisin, cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate. Fruit driven and monotone with a sweet-fruited finish and a hint of alcoholic warmth. Score: 86. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Roadhouse Winery Platinum Label Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc (label), 14.2% alc. (tech sheet), pH 3.95, TA 0.50, 200 cases, $75. Romanee-Conti selection and Wädenswil 2A clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, BGR yeast for primary fermentation. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very reserved nose with only a hint of briar and oak aromas even over extended time in the glass. A fruit-driven wine featuring black cherry and raspberry fruits with toast and licorice in the background. The tannins are well integrated, but the wine’s low acidity leads to a lack of freshness. The finish is notable sweet. Score: 87. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Yellow Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.69, 325 cases, $46. Released fall 2013. Sourced from multiple River Road vineyards west of Highway 101 within two miles of the Russian River. Sandy-clay loam soils. Harvest Brix 25.5º. Clones 115, 2A. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old, and 20% 3- year-old French tight grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color with slight haze in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of cherry, backing spice and red roses. Vibrant and juicy on the palate with a delicious core of Bing cherry fruit accented by cola, spice and pomegranate flavors. Very refreshing with well-integrated suede tannins and a pleasing and lingering finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Dark Purple Label Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.625, 275 cases, $49. Release first quarter 2014. Sourced from Silver Pine Vineyard located at the western edge of the Sonoma Mountain at 980 feet above sea level.Harvest Brix 26.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2- year-old, and 20% 3-year-old tight grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color and slight haze in the glass. This wine’s nose is the clear standout with effusive aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice and earthy flora. The ripest and darkest-fruited wine of the four tasted today. This wine really stands out from the pack with mouth-filling flavors of black cherry pie, black raspberry jam and spice. Medium to full-bodied, and creamy in the texture, with a spectacular finish that explodes with fireworks in the mouth. The wine picks up allure over time in the glass. I have had some exceptional wines from this vineyard and this beauty follows suite. Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Dark Yellow Label Middle Reach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.67, 325 cases, $49. Release second quarter 2014. Wohler Road and Bacigalupi vineyards. harvest Brix 25.5º. Clones 2A, Pommard, Wente, “828,” and 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated yeast fermentations, aged 12 months in 20% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old, and 20% 3-year-old tight grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple with slight haze in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherries and berries, underbrush, dried herbs and incense. The most savory wine of the four tasted here, also armed with a tasty essence of ripe cherry and red raspberry. The dry tannins are well-mannered, and the intense finish holds on. Score: 90. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Green Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.57, 175 cases, $49. Sourced from Tina Marie Vineyard featuring clones 115, 667 and 777 planted in 2005. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated primary and secondary fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light red cherry color in the glass. Lovely, sexy aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, rose petal and sandalwood. Very charming, with vibrant iced cherry fruit flavor and mild fine-grain tannins. Bright and satisfying on the attack, with an impressive breadth of hi-tone cherry fruit on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Martini Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.54, 250 cases, $49. Sourced from Vine Hill Road Vineyard planted to Martini clone in 1989. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light red cherry color in the glass. The nose reluctantly opens slowly over time to reveal demure aromas of ripe cherry pie glaze, rose petal and oak. The cherry fruit core seems a bit roasted and is dominated by oak-driven flavors of coffee nibs, dark chocolate, cola and spice. The fine-grain tannins offer textural interest and the finish is long and plush with black cherry goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Orange-Red Label Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.598, 375 cases, $49. Released fall 2013. From vineyards along Eastside Road in Windsor. Clones are Pommard, 115, 667, 777 and “828.” Harvest Brix 24º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated yeast fermentations, aged 12 months in 40% new, 60% 1 and 2-year-old medium toast, tight grain or very tight grain French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color with slight haze in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of wild berries, blueberries, pomegranate and balsam. Mid to full-bodied core of dark red and blue fruits with a hint of black raspberry. More body than the Yellow Label with a touch more structural tannins and a more intensely fruity finish. Highly enjoyable. Score: 91. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Russian River Valley Pink Label Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.65, 150 cases, $59. Sourced primarily from Nunes Vineyard. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, brewed tea, forest floor and oak spice. Solid mid palate attack of very ripe Bing cherry and black raspberry fruit with a hint of cola and anise, and some oak in the background. The wine’s finish is lip-smacking. Score: 88. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Sonoma Coast Green Label Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.62, 300 cases, $59. Sourced from Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Pommard clone. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, 14 days total cuvaison, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% new. Unifined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of clove, cardamom, peppercorn, forest floor, mushroom and raisin. Very ripe fruited, featuring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and sassafras. Silky smooth on the palate with balanced tannins and a dry, mouthwatering finish. Nicely crafted in a ripe, dark fruited style. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Roadhouse Winery Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.58, 150 cases, $75. Sourced from Weir Vineyard. DRC selection and Wädenswil 2A clone planted in 1992. 100% de-stemmed, 5- day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate light red cherry color in the glass. Perfumed with effusive scents of cherry, leafy herbs, sous-bois and woodpile. Very elegant, soft and smooth in the mouth with refined tannins, offering light to mid weight flavors of red cherries and berries, with hints of spice and red plum, that hold your attention on the finish. This wine shows more finesse than others in the 2012 Roadhouse lineup. Score: 90. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »
2010 Roadhouse Winery Black Label Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. Sourced from the Petaluma Wind Gap. · Expressive nose offering scents of ripe Bing cherries and cola. Rich and flamboyant, with luscious flavors of black cherry pie filling, cherry cola, and sassafras, complimented by toasty oak in the background. Striking flavor expression that will find many fans. Smooth in the mouth with supple tannins and ready drink ability. Very good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »